The Girly Girl's Guide to DC
Issue 3: The Virginia Propaganda Continues
Welcome back to The Girly Girl’s Guide to D.C! Spring (aka cherry blossom pollen) is undoubtedly in the air, which is why I want you to send me your favorite cherry blossom photos and/or cherry blossom memories! You can do that by replying to this email or reaching out to girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com.
Or maybe just send tips on how to see the cherry blossoms, since there will apparently be some restrictions on visiting the Tidal Basin this year? Coronavirus, what more do you want from us? I mean, the National Park Service is telling people to enjoy a virtual tour of the cherry blossoms, but that’s like showing me an Instagram post of Aruba and telling me I’m on vacation.
If you missed last week’s issue, find it here.
What They Don’t Tell You
Hollywood is accused of romanticizing a lot of things, but do you know what my main complaint is? Leading ladies like Carrie Bradshaw and Olivia Pope running around in 4-inch heels with no foot pain. I don’t buy it.
When I posted on Twitter earlier in March asking women what they wish they’d known earlier about D.C. life, I was surprised just how many answers were about shoes. Shoes! I thought there would be WAY more responses about boys, but hey, congrats to us for passing the Bechdel test.
Before I started my career, I imagined myself waltzing around D.C. in pumps, no problem.
Y’all, I don’t remember a single time I commuted in heels and DIDN’T regret it. Luckily, those instances were few. Maybe some of you don’t mind doing a whole day in high heels, but as for me, my arches are so flat that they’re saving for a boob job. It’s sneakers with Dr. Scholl’s inserts or bust.
These days, I’m more of a slipper girl (more on that later), but I want to delve into the sneaker-heels debate for those of us going into the workplace. If running around the city in high heels leaves you in need of a deep tissue foot massage at the end of the day, you’re not alone.
The high heel may have begun as a fashion for men dating back to Persia in the 1500s, but the women’s stiletto heel emerged after World War II, bringing blisters and aching arches along with it.
A debate about whether painfully high heels really empower women soon followed. My sole (get it??) entry into that debate is this quote from none other than Christian Loboutin: “The core of my work is dedicated not to pleasing women but to pleasing men.”
Still, heels elevate every look (literally). They can take a business casual look from boring to brilliant. But when you’re on the go, nothing beats being grounded in sneakers or flats.
Reader Sarah S. recommends Veja sneakers when you need a break from heels. They’re cute and minimal, meaning they won’t totally clash with your work outfit.
Megan B. recommends Birdie flats.
“Cute Birdies. Almost as comfy as sneakers and go with all workwear. Little pricey but really good quality, last forever,” she said.
I’m on that work from home grind, so when I do leave the house once a day — err, week — you can bet that I’ll be wearing sneakers. However, here are the slippers I’m wearing the other 23 hours of the day (FashionNova has a ton of similar options if they’re out of your size). They make me feel like I should be in an Ariana Grande music video!
More advice from readers:
“Don’t wear heels if you even think you might be walking outside on D.C. cobblestone, and find a cobbler for when they eventually get messed up.” - Patricia P.
“Try to break in shoes before you wear them to work. The worst thing is walking around the office with hurt feet.” - Krista M.
“You will wear comfortable shoes to walk to work or you will regret it.” - Aryssa D.
“If you wear heels, definitely put flats in your purse for the metro.” - Allie G.
Interview with Emily Domenech
Every issue, I plan to introduce you to a woman who knows the ins and outs of D.C.
The Virginia propaganda continues this week as Emily Domenech talks about her love for her neighborhood on the OTHER side of the river as well as her favorite D.C. haunts. And if you miss live music, give her a follow on Twitter to see what songs she’s covered lately!
What’s your occupation?
I’m a Senior Policy Advisor to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, where I handle issues ranging from climate change to infrastructure. In my free time, I’m also the co-founder of The Honor Project, a service project with the Travis Manion Foundation to visit graves at Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day! You can learn more about it by clicking here.
What does your job look like during quarantine?
Lots of conference calls! We’re still working in the Capitol every day when the House is in session, but when we’re in recess there’s plenty of people who work from home. I'm a social person so I'd much rather be in person every day, but I will say I've enjoyed the ability to take a long walk during a call or briefing if I can swing it. So I’m looking forward to better weather!
What’s your favorite coffee shop?
Is it terrible that I may not have one? I’m more of a bar gal if I’m being honest — you can find me on the Bullfeathers patio on a nice evening and I’m ready for Off the Record to reopen. But I will say I went to Sisters Thai in Old Town Alexandria the other day and they have an amazing Rose Tea Latte. Would recommend!
What’s your favorite running route?
One of my favorite things about DC is all the running and walking paths in the city! I’m a big runner, and this summer I discovered a great 7 mile loop from the Nationals ballpark along the Anacostia. Both sides of the river have nice wooded trails, and there are bridges to help you loop back at different mile markers. One minute you’re in a booming part of the city and the next you’re in the woods, it's amazing. I saw a gorgeous trophy piebald buck right next to RFK Stadium on this route!
I also love to take long walks around the monuments. My favorite new habit in quarantine is meeting a close friend for regular Saturday morning walks. We start at the Capitol, walk down the mall, across the river to Arlington Cemetery, back across the 14th street bridge to the Jefferson Memorial and back to the Capitol — usually it’s around 8 to 10 miles when it’s all done!
What’s your quarantine beauty routine like?
I’m a firm believer that you have to get ready for the day or you’re not going to be productive! So I made a point that every day I still put on my three everyday beauty staples — mascara, tinted moisturizer, and a pink highlighter. My go-tos are Origins mascara, Supergoop Glow Screen tinted moisturizer, and Manna GLO illuminator! I use a Maybelline 24 Hour foundation as a concealer if I really need it, but I'm a pretty low maintenance make-up gal.
I will admit that wearing a mask has been rough on my skin, so I’ve tried to mix up my cleansers and use toner at the end of the day to prevent breakouts. Origins makes a great pink clay face mask that helps with cystic acne too! I’ve also used a lot more gel eye masks because wearing a mask really brings out those eye wrinkles... might be time for some Botox!
How would you describe your style?
This is tough for me! My style is such a mix — I like very classic and professional for the workplace, but I’m more often than not in ripped jeans and sneakers on the weekends. So, on any given day I’m either channeling Katharine Hepburn or 90s Ralph Lauren, or I’m doing my best 60s Michelle Phillips from the Mamas and the Papas or Sienna Miller with less cool hats.
What’s your advice for new D.C. residents?
So my controversial advice for new D.C. residents — consider living across the river! I love D.C., and when quarantine is fully over I will be back in every restaurant, bar, and sports venue in the District — but I’ve always lived in Virginia. First out of necessity because I couldn’t afford D.C., but later because I like it. I’m in Del Ray now, and it takes me 15 minutes to get to the Capitol, but I’ve got a front yard and a back patio, which is hard to beat. Think of right across the bridge like another D.C. neighborhood, and check us out sometime!
Know a lady I should interview next? Reply to this email!
The Haps
The Weeknd — Health Care Investor?
I was today years old when I learned that The Weeknd, music’s favorite sadboi, has a practical side. We all know the American health care system is an absolute disaster. It turns out that The Weeknd is an investor in Forward Health, a primary care startup that says its mission is to help customers live healthier lives long-term.
You can read TechCrunch’s awesome interview with Forward Health’s CEO by clicking here. He explains how a musician who’s most famous for songs about mind-altering substances got connected to a company disrupting health care. “I Can’t Feel My Face”?? Sounds like you should maybe go to a doctor, dude.
The First Day of Spring Is When Rihanna Wears Pastels
So you thought the first day of spring was on March 20 because of the spring equinox? Wrong, the first day of spring is whenever Rihanna breaks out the pastels in her wardrobe and we can all return to spring colors once more.
Rihanna stepped out in LA on Friday night wearing a fashion-forward blue and pink pastel ensemble including a vintage Chanel coat, according to Harper’s Bazaar. Coincidentally, I also switched out my winter and spring wardrobes this past weekend. Not saying I’m on Riri’s level or anything.
Here’s another link to what I’m reading these days:
“Why Luxury Fashion Should Embrace The Secondhand Industry” - The closest thing I’ve come to luxury resale is spotting a Helmut Lang dress at Goodwill, but I still enjoyed reading this Refinery29 story about how luxury brands are no longer looking down on the growing resale market.
From the Sketchbook
“From The Sketchbook” will return next week. Send funny stories or text screenshots you think could make hilarious comic strips by replying to this email.